ChkHandleDn

A little update for those of you that are DINKs w/ pets: There is zero possiblity for pet-friendly TLFs for you. Also, expect to get push-back WRT trying to stay off base. They are trying to tell me I'd have to kennel my dogs for five months and have to stay on base.

When we fly augmented with three pilots we can use the bunk and it's not too bad. However, we fly basic (two pilots/two loads generally) when we're deployed and we have to stay in the seats. The days are still 16 hours, so if you've been up for awhile, you're still easily looking at 24+. Another thing of note is that he said that the safety of flight call was the toughest call he's had to make as an AC so far. In my opinion a safety of flight call should not be the toughest call one would have to make in their aviation career. It should be a simple, no questions asked call. Yet, the difficulty behind making it just demonstrates the current, second-guessing environment we find ourselves in. There seems to be some stigma behind calling it, that's for sure.

I’m currently deployed and a buddy of mine recently called crew rest/safety of flight during his alert sequence. Apparently he was unable to sleep and had already been up for approx 16 or so hours. We fly combat basic and the mission was routine, meaning there was nothing vital to move such as AE, HR, etc. However, it seems that when he called safety of flight, TACC grilled him and the amount info requested seemed to be slightly over the top. Apparently, it goes all the way to the top and a general has to be briefed. When I attended GRACC I remember TACC telling us that if safety of flight was ever an issue, call it and they would have our back. Yet when a crew member actually calls it out of genuine worry for the crew, TACC and everyone else seems to question his intentions and motivations. They even asked if he had been drinking the night prior even though there is no alcohol here. He said he could not sleep, felt loopy when he was alerted, and did not want to be a statistic for putting a bird in the dirt, landing gear up, taxing into something, or doing any number of things that seem to have plagued the community in the past. I often wondered why more people did not call safety of flight consider the length of our duty days, time zone changes, etc, and now I know why. It seems like it is much easier to fly exhausted, than to put up with the Monday morning quarterbacking. Yet I do find it sad that if something were to happen, the first thing asked would be, “Well, why didn’t you call safety of flight?” There is a lot of talk about safety in the AMC community as being paramount, but actions speak louder than words. To me TACC could give two shits what happens to a crew unless something happens to a jet, and yet they wonder why crews fly into thunderstorms and land gear up. Thoughts?

Looks like El Presidente has his own flag: https://www.foxnews.c...nty-democratic/

I gave them a call and they said they're starting to move towards making everyone stay on base including those with families and animals (if there's availability), and in order to stay off base, there must be approval. The woman I spoke with said if a family wants to stay in the TLFs they should call one-two months out to reserve a pet friendly TLF. So for those that want to stay off base, bring your family and pets and don't call in advance. For those that are single or unaccompanied, you may be SOL.

I've been reading in the other thread on Non-As that the Randolph OG is now requiring PIT studs to stay on base. Is this requirement the same for those of us that are bringing our families? I saw the OG's MFR but there was nothing with regards to those of us bringing pets. Anyone have any recent experience?

So I am a late-rated guy and I believe my PRF will be written next summer. I volunteered for a white jet assignment and will be PCSing this fall after PIT. I won't be an MWS IP before I leave this summer for PIT. How bad is it going to be for me to be PCSing a few months prior to my PRF being written without being a MWS IP and showing to a Sq just before it's due? I'm thinking I'm pretty much hosed.

I'm look at purchasing a gun safe and the biggest thing that's coming to mind is the PITA they may cause with a PCS. Have any of you had any issues PCSing with a particular safe? Any recommendations for one? I've heard Zanotti's are decent simply because they can be disassembled and reassembled when moving. https://www.zanottiarmor.com/features.htm Thoughts?

As a matter of fact, yes. I'm liking this one: https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M4-16-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-m4-16.htm. Also looking at their BCGs. I've read nothing but good things about BCM. I would end up paying about a few hundred more if I went this route though rather than going with a PSA upper since PSA's BCGs are about half the price of a BCM BCG.

You know, I've thought about it; but I've got about 2K of 5.56 and counting and figured one more 5.56 rifle couldn't hurt. Especially when the zombie apocalypse comes...bwahaha. Who knows, maybe I'll go for an SBR build instead. But then again at that point the budget will probably go out the window. Decisions, decisions....

Honestly, I'm just looking for a new project. I purchased the 6920MP that Timbonez listed that already had the Magpul furniture. I thought that would be it and wouldn't want to do anything additional to it. But then came the Eotech. Then I swapped the MOE grips for a DD Omega rail and just added a LaRue UDE kit. So now I have some spare furniture laying around. I figured, what the hell, might as well build one and let the spare parts get some use. That way I can give the build to my wife as a present, thrilled as she was by that idea...

My one and only AR is a Colt 6920, but now I'm thinking about doing a build. I'm planning on going with a Spikes lower and a DD LPK, but I'm debating on the upper. I've been thinking about a PSA upper:https://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/psa-16-hammer-forged-m4a1-cmv-upper.html. Have any of you on here have first hand experience with PSA? Based on what I've been reading they make some pretty good stuff and are building a name for themselves. Thoughts? I'm trying to avoid breaking the bank on this one, and I figured I can buy a few parts at a time so the wife won't get too pissed.

This one looks like it could be good:

Actually I bought it new from grabagun.com.

Thanks for the info! I just purchased a Colt 6920 that had some Magpul accessories for $1,000 shipped. It seemed like a pretty good deal and I figured I should better buy one now before the prices go back up again.

As far as the LEAP program is concerned, all of us that applied in my Sq were selected during the most recent board. However, there is no more funding so we're all in "unseated" status until LEAP expands. Frankly I was surprised. I only had a 0+/1 for German so I'm thinking they really want rated people in the program.

Anybody hear anything good or bad about Core-15 ARs? It seems like a relatively new company. Just wondering what your thoughts are. https://www.core15rifles.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=166&category_id=16

I have one and really enjoy it. The only complaint I have is that they have issues with any other ammo but federal. But then again you can by tons of the stuff at your local Wally-World. I didn't spend anything to make it perform, but I did invest a few bucks to prevent issues that were common with the rifle. I installed a cocking handle buffer and replaced the screws that commonly cause cracked bolt carriers for $20.

Got this in the email today. I had an unforgettable day yesterday and wanted to share it with you. I know we've all sat around and discussed in detail why we do what we do and if we will be willing to continue to do what we do day in and day out regardless of deployments, retirement decisions, job opportunities, missed birthdays, missed holidays, etc. This is something I wanted to share and you were the people that came to mind. It's another reason I continue to serve.I guess because many others do and sacrifice a lot more, some even their lives. My crew was alerted yesterday to find that our mission had changed. We were now a backup to a high priority mission originating from Afghanistan. When I asked where we would be going the answer was "back to the states". Later I learned our destination was Dover. I was the aircraft commander for one of two C-17s that transferred the Chinook helicopter crash soldiers back home. The crew that started this mission in Afghanistan would end up running out of crew duty day and need another crew to continue the soldier's journey. We just happened to be available. After being alerted and going through our normal sequence, I found myself at the foot of the aircraft steps. Before I took my first step upward I noticed a transfer case close to the door. I had only seen one in pictures. The American Flag was tucked smartly, folded and secured on top. I paused at the bottom of the stairs, took a deep breath and continued up with my mind and eyes focusing on making it to the next ladder leading to the cockpit. However, as I entered, I couldn't help but notice the remaining nineteen transfer cases in the cargo compartment. The entire cargo compartment was filled with identical transfer cases with American Flags. I made my way up to the cockpit and received a briefing from the previous aircraft commander. After the briefing we exchanged a handshake and the other pilot was on his way. I felt a need to ensure the crew focused on their normal duties. I instructed the other two pilots to began the preflight. I went back down into the cargo compartment to see what needed to be done and find the paperwork I needed to sign. The cargo compartment was now filled with numerous people from the mortuary affairs squadron. They were busy adjusting, resetting and overall preparing the cases for their continued flight. Before they began I asked who was in charge because I knew there was paperwork I needed to sign. I finally found a Staff Sergeant who was working an issue with the paperwork. After it was complete, he brought it up to the cockpit for me to review and sign. There are moments in life I will never forget. For me, it's the days my son and daughter were born. Another occurred five months ago when I had to deliver the unthinkable news to a mother that her son was killed in Afghanistan and although I didn't anticipate another day like that this soon, yesterday was another. I looked at the paperwork I was signing and realized the magnitude of the day. I glanced over the paperwork and signed. In a way, I felt I had taken ownership of these fallen soldiers. It was now my duty to ensure they make it home. After confirming the preflight was complete and the aircraft was fueled, I went outside to start my walk-around. As I walked down the steps, a bus had parked in front of the aircraft and unloaded eleven passengers. The passengers were fellow SEAL team members who were escorting the fallen back to the states. I stood at the front of the aircraft and watched them board. Every one of them walked off the bus with focus in their eyes and determination in their steps; just as I imagine they do when they go on a mission. I made eye contact with the lead SEAL, nodded my head in respect and he nodded back. Finishing my walk-around, I stopped at the bottom of the stairs. I looked up into the cargo compartment; two American Flags and one SEAL Team Six flag hung from the top of the cargo compartment. Three of twenty transfer cases visible; one with an American Flag and two with Afghan flags. I looked up at my aircraft and saw, "United States Air Force" painted on the side and I stood trying to take it all in. I wanted to make certain that I never forget these images. That I never forget the faces of the SEALS, the smell of the cargo compartment or the sun slowly rising over the landscape. It's important that I don't forget. We need to honor the dead, honor the sacrifice of the fallen. I understand my role in getting these fallen soldiers home is insignificant compared to the lives they lived and the things they did for our country. Most of it we will never know. All I know is every American should see what I've seen. Every American should see the bus loads of families as they exit the freeway headed for Dover AFB to reunite with their fallen or witness the amount of time, effort, people and equipment that go into ensuring our fallen have a honorable return. The very next day we took the same aircraft back overseas. We had leveled the aircraft at our cruise altitude and I walked down to the cargo compartment. No more American Flags hung from the ceiling. All the transfer cases were gone. Instead I watched a father lay with his son, cradled on his chest, on the same spot that only yesterday held a fallen soldier. I watched a young girl, clutching a teddy bear, sleeping quietly where the fallen had laid. I realized so many Americans have no idea where the fallen lay. I'm honored to be one that does.

If you're already fairly fluent, why not brush up by reading and listening to German news? That will probably be the better solution. Otherwise, I suggest Pimsleur German for the listening portion.

I'd give it about two weeks to a month unfortunately. I wrote finance a check when I initially enrolled and a few weeks later, I had a $0 SDP balance and a debt for the amount I enrolled on my LES. "WTF!" So yeah, I had to call/email the main SDP POCs and about two weeks later it was resolved. It seems to be working fine, but I'm interested to see how it works out when it comes time for me to withdraw. Good luck!

I've had two upper molars removed since both were cracked completely in half (I still have yet to replace them) and about 12 crowns replaced all before my IFC1. I had zero issues at Brooks and don't have any issues with maintaining my flying/MR status now. You should be fine.

Who'd you guys go through for the development of the apps? I have no programming skills, but I think a Giant Report TRT calculator for the C-17 bubbas would be a great idea. I use an excel spreadsheet if I don't have time to get them from G2, but having something created for the iPhone would be faster and easier IMO. Thoughts from other -17 guys? Maybe I'm just too lazy.

Coincidentally, our Sq/CC talked about all of this stuff yesterday. Good info! Speaking of this, our boss also said that people that are getting voluntold to do a 365 are now doing the 3-day option and separating at 18 years of service, causing AFPC to consider doing away with the 3-day option entirely. I guess for anyone planning on doing their twenty, a 365 will be a requirement in the very near future.

So according to a recent email I received, they're opening up the application process to MAF guys to fly the B-2. Interesting. Is this something that happens on occasion, or is it pretty rare to seek out heavy dudes?